Portable projectile return apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable projectile return apparatus comprising a return panel connected to a panel frame by resilient straps. The return panel frame is connected to a base frame by a pivotal connection offset from the center of the panel frame so that by pivoting about that connection the panel may be moved between a lower position and a higher position. In one embodiment the base frame comprises two pair of legs. Each pair of legs is pivoted together at their respective upper ends to each other end to the return panel along one side edge collapsible brace extends between the legs of each pair to form an A-frame. In a second embodiment the return panel frame is pivoted adjacent each side edge to the upper end of a telescopic post. A horizontal leg extends forwardly and backwardly from the lower end of each post. A weight receiving tray is secured between the posts at their lower ends. In a third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the forwardly and rearwardly extending legs are pivoted to the post and a collapsible brace extends between each leg and the post.

United States Patent [1 1 Mahoney [451 Sept. 17, 1974 PORTABLE PROJECTILE RETURN APPARATUS [75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Mahoney, lnc., Dorrance, Kans.

[22] Filed: Nov. 12, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 414,875

Elmo J. Mahoney, Dorrance, Kans.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 650,504 5/1900 Dyonnet 248/464 676,443 6/1901 Parish et a1. 248/454 1,260,201 3/1918 Johnson 248/457 2,156,225 4/1939 ONeara 248/457 X 2,943,536 7/1960 Stafford 248/479 3,427,026 2/1969 Mahoney 273/1 R 3,711,092 l/1973 Hogue 273/26 A 3,752,476 8/1973 Mahoney 273/l.5 A

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 929,247 6/1963 Great Britain 273/1 R 206,755 8/1966 Sweden 273/1 R Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle Assistant ExaminerPaul E. Shapiro [57] ABSTRACT A portable projectile return apparatus comprising a return panel connected to a panel frame by resilient straps. The return panel frame is connected to a base frame by a pivotal connection offset from the center of the panel frame so that by pivoting about that connection the panel may be moved between a lower position and a higher position. In one embodiment the base frame comprises two pair of legs. Each pair of legs is pivoted together at their respective upper ends to each other end to the return panel along one side edge collapsible brace extends between the legs of each pair to form an A-frame. In a second embodiment the return panel frame is pivoted adjacent each side edge to the upper end of a telescopic post. A horizontal leg extends forwardly and backwardly from the lower end of each post. A weight receiving tray is secured between the posts at their lower ends. In a third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the forwardly and rearwardly extending legs are pivoted to the post and a collapsible brace extends between each leg and the post.

9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PAIENIEB SEPI mu 33,

sum 3 or 3' PORTABLE PROJECTILE RETURN APPARATUS This application presents an improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,036, entitled Projectile Return Apparatus, the inventor being Kenneth J. Mahoney, issued Feb. 11, 1969; and US. Pat. No. 3,752,476, entitled Improved Projectile Return Apparatus, the inventor being Elmo J. Mahoney, and issued Aug. 14, 1973.

In the prior art, there are numerous types of backstop return devices which provide rigid or resilient net structures so as to receive and return an article thrown thereagainst. The structures in the prior art are operable to return basketballs, footballs, and the like but such prior art devices are limited in operation to one sports usage and are complicated in structure. Additionally, the prior art structures similar to the applicants invention are not rigidly constructed, readily portable, simple to use, or easily adjustable to various positions for various uses.

In preferred embodiments of this invention, a portable projectile return apparatus is provided having two basic embodiments being 1) a foldable return apparatus, and 2) a collapsible return apparatus. The foldable return apparatus includes a backstop means secured to a frame means by a connector'means. The backstop means includes a return panel assembly connected to a panel support assembly. The return panel assembly includes a central panel member made of a net-like material interconnected by resilient connector members about its outer peripheral to the panel support assembly. The panel support assembly is of a tubular construction of rectangular shape having spaced anchor sections thereon to connect the resilient straps thereto. The frame means includes a pair of spaced, A-frame leg assemblies interconnected by parallel support members. Each leg assembly includes a pair of upright leg members pivotally connected at upper ends by the connector means and, downwardly therefrom, having a connector assembly between the leg members. The connector assembly is of a foldable type so as to lock the leg members in the spread or usage condition. The support members are tubular members interconnected by opposed leg members of the A-frame assemblies to provide the desired and required lateral stability. The connector means includes disc members secured to respective upper ends of the leg members of each A- frame assembly; a connector lug is secured to a portion of the panel support assembly extended between the disc members; and a wing nut and bolt member. The connector lug is sandwiched between the disc members and anchored in an adjusted position by the wing nut and bolt members. The connector lug is provided with a plurality of peripheral protrusions on both sides adapted to fit with adjacent dimples on the disc members to anchor in the adjusted position. The collapsible return apparatus includes a backstop means interconnected by a connector means to a frame means. The backstop means includes the return panel, assembly as above described interconnected to a panel support assembly. The panel support assembly is of a generally tubular construction of rectangular shape to support the backstop means and having on opposite parallel sides, a pair of divergent side members. The junction of the side members is formed with a connector disc. The

frame means includes a first embodiment being a pivotal frame assembly and a second embodiment being a second anchor frame assembly. The pivotal frame assembly includes spaced support post assemblies each interconnected to leg assemblies which, in turn, are interconnected by support trays. The support post assembly includes first and second telescoping post members held in an adjusted vertical position by connector members. Each leg assembly includes first and second leg members interconnected by connector members to the adjacent support post assembly. The leg members are pivotally connected at the inner ends to adjacent support posts so as to be movable to a collapsed condition, then having each leg member adjacent the opposed sides of the support post for storage purposes. The anchor frame assembly includes the upright, telescoping support assemblies and the leg assemblies provided with a pair of laterally extended leg members with suction cups on the outer ends thereof. The inner ends of the leg members are rigidly connected to the respective adjacent support post. A large tray member is mounted between the opposed support post assemblies and se-- cured to the leg assemblies for additional rigidity. The connector means includes a connector arm secured to respective support posts having an upper hole aligned with a hole in the support post; a pair of circular friction brake disc elements to contact opposed sides of the connector disc of the side members of the panel support assembly; and connector assembly having a wing nut and a bolt member mounted thereon so that, on tightening of the wing nut, the backstop means is anchored in the adjusted position.

One object of this invention is to provide a new improved portable projectile return apparatus to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Still, another object of this invention is to provide a portable projectile return apparatus having a resilient backstop means held in the elevated condition and secured by a connector means to a frame means whereby the backstop means is movable to opposite sides of the frame means so as to provide different levels of usage.

A further object of this invention is to provide a portable projectile return apparatus having a backstop means supported on a frame means through a connector means whereby the frame means is collapsible into a position adjacent the backstop means to require a minimum amount of storage when in the nonusage condition.

Still, one further object of this invention is to provide a portable projectile return apparatus having a backstop means mountable through a connector means to a A-frame means whereby the backstop means may be rotated substantially 360 to various positions for different uses such as volleyball, basketball, and baseball practice.

One other object of this invention is to provide a projectile return apparatus having a backstop means secured to a frame means by connector means wherein the conductor means is provided with cooperating disc members so as to hold the backstop means in the adjusted position regardless of the amount of force of the projectile thrown thereagainst.

A further object of this invention-is to provide a portable projectile return apparatus which is simple to operate and adjust. durable in construction, portable and readily movable to a storage condition, economicalto manufacture, and adaptable to a plurality of physical training uses.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable projectile return being a foldable return apparatus embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a backstop means of the foldable return apparatus rotated to another usage position;

FIG. 3 is side elevational view of the foldable return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the foldable return apparatus of this invention shown in the collapsed condition;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view illustrating a connector means of the foldable return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a collapsible return apparatus of the portable projectile return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 of the collapsible return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the collapsible return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the collapsible return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of a frame means of the second embodiment of the collapsible return apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the frame means in the storage condition;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary side view illustrating a connector means of the collapsible return apparatus of this invention having portions broken away for clarity; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the connector means of the collapsible return apparatus of this invention.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new portable projectile return apparatus of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, a portable return apparatus, indicated generally at 12, is shown as having the three embodiments being 1) a foldable return apparatus 14, and 2) a collapsible return apparatus which is provided with two embodiments identified as 16 and 18.

As shown in FIGS. l'to 5, the foldable return apparatus 14 includes a main backstop means 20; a frame means 22; and a connector means 24 interconnecting the backstop means 20 to the frame means 22 while allowing pivotal adjustment. The backstop means 20 includes a return panel assembly 26 connected to a panel support assembly 27 which, in turn, is pivotally connected to the connector means 24. The return panel assembly 26 includes a main support panel member 29 of a rectangular shape constructed of a net fabric material and connected by a plurality of resilient connector straps 31 to the panel support assembly 27. The connector straps 31 can be constructed of a resilient material having hooks on opposite ends thereof so as to be readily attachable to the panel member 29 and to the panel support assembly 27.

The panel support assembly 27 is of a rectangular tubular shape having top and bottom sections 32 and sidewall sections 34. The sidewall sections 34 are each provided with a laterally extended connector lug 36 having a hole 38 therein to be attached to the connector means 24 as will explained.

The frame means 22 includes a pair of A-frame leg assemblies 39 and 41 interconnected by transverse support members 42. As the A-frame leg assemblies 39 and 41 are substantially identical, only one needs to be described in detail. The A-frame assembly 39 includes a pair of elongated leg members 44 having intermediate portions interconnected as by a connector assembly 46. The lower portion of each leg member 44 has an outwardly turned foot section 48 so as to provide vertical support while in the condition as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The upper portion of each leg member 44 is secured to a circular disc member 50 having a hole 51 therein for attachment by the connector means 24 as will be explained.

The connector assembly 46 includes pivotally connected first and second link members 53 and 55 having outer ends pivotally connected to adjacent leg members 44. It is noted that the connector assembly 46 could be a chain member or the like in order to maintain the condition as shown in FIG. 1 in the usage condition.

The connector means 24 includes the disc member 50 on the end of each leg member 44; the connector lugs 36 on the panel support assembly 27; and an anchor assembly 57 for each leg assembly 39, 41 as shown in FIG. 5. The connector lugs 36 are formed in a circular shape with a plurality of spaced, laterally extended projections 58 to be placed in concave dimples 60 in the disc members 50 on the leg members 44 so as to rigidly hold the backstop means 20 in the adjusted position. Each anchor assembly 57 includes a blt member 62 inserted through aligned holes 51 in the disc members 50 and the hole 38 in the connector lug 36 and secured with a wing nut 64.

In use and operation of the foldable return apparatus 14, the frame means 22 is shown in FIG. 1 in the extended condition whereupon the backstop means 20 is anchored in this position. This position is referred to as the second or higher position of adjustment of the backstop means 20 where one could readily practice volleyball shots, basketball passes, fingertip control, etc. On loosening of the connector means 24 through the wing nut 64, the backstop means 20 can be rotated from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 2 and the connector means 24 can anchor the backstop means 20 in this condition. This position is known as the second or lower position whereupon one could practice throwing and fielding baseballs or other such projectiles.

After usage, it is obvious that the connector assembly 46 is connected to each leg assembly 39, 41 can be moved upwardly so that the leg members 44 could move to an abutting position with the backstop means 20 placed in parallel condition thereto as shown in FIG. 4. In this condition, the foldable return apparatus 14 can be readily mounted on a garage wall requiring a minimum amount of storage space.

The collapsible return apparatus 16 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a backstop means 66; a frame means 68; and a connector means 69 to secure the backstop means 66 to the frame means 68. The backstop means 66 includes the return panel assembly 26 operably connected to a panel support assembly 71. The return panel assembly 26 includes the panel member 29 having its outer peripheral secured as the connector straps 31 to the panel support assembly 71.

The panel support assembly 71 is of a rectangular shape having top and bottom sections 32 and sidewall sections 34 with the sidewall section 34 connected to side brace members 72. Pairs of the side brace members 72 are divergent with outer ends secured to a circular connector disc 76 for reasons to become obvious.

The frame means 68 includes two embodiments, the first embodiment (FIG. 8) being a pivotal frame assembly 78 and the second embodiment (FIG. 6) being an anchor frame assembly 79. The anchor frame assembly 79 includes a pair of spaced upright post assemblies 81, each connected at upper ends to the panel support assembly 71 and secured at the lower ends to a support assembly 83. Each post assembly 81 includes first and second telescoping post members 84 and 86 secured in an adjusted position by lock members 88. The upper end of the post members 84 are connected to the connector means 69 as will be explained.

The support assembly 83 includes opposed leg support assemblies 91 and tray member 93 mounted between the post assemblies 81. Each leg support assembly 91 includes a support leg 94 secured to adjacent lower ends of the post member 86 by bolts 96. The outer ends of each support leg 94 has a suction cup 97 connected thereto for anchoring purposes. The tray member 93 is connected by bolt members 98 and support braces 99 to the lower post members 86. The tray member 93 is adapted to receive a weight such as a sandbag 101 as shown in FIG. 6 to provide additional reaction weight during usage.

The connector means 69 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 includes a support arm 103 secured to the post member 84; a brake assembly 104 mounted above the respective connector discs 76; and a bolt member 106 and a wing nut 108 to anchor in an adjusted position. The brake assembly 104 includes a pair of washer members 110 and a pair of brake members 112, each having a central hole 114 to receive the bolt member 106 therethrough. The washer members 110 are preferably constructed of a brake lining type material to retard movement of the backstop means 66 when in the clamped condition of FIG. 12.

The support arm 103 is of an L-shape having a square hole 116 to receive a square head section 118 of the bolt member 106 to prevent rotation of the bolt member 106 on rotation of the wing nut 108 during adjustment. The support members 84 are provided with opposed, aligned holes 120 to receive the bolt member 106 therethrough.

In the use and operation of the embodiment of the collapsible return apparatus 16 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is assembled as shown in FIG. 6 with the sandbag 101 placed thereupon. It is seen that the backstop means 66 is connected by the panel support assembly 71 so as to be rotatable from the lower position to the second higher playing position as discussed in the first embodiment.

In the other embodiment being the collapsible return apparatus 18 as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11, the identical backstop means 66 and connector means 69 is utilized but having the pivotal frame assembly 78 being collapsible as shown in FIG. 11.

More particularly, the pivotal frame assembly 78 includes opposed pairs of leg assemblies 122 pivotally connected to the respective ones of the support post members 86; outer ends of the leg assemblies 122 interconnected by tray members 124; and transverse tube members 125 interconnecting opposed post members 86. Each leg assembly 122 includes a leg member 126 pivotally connected by a bolt member 127 to the post member 86; a. suction cup 131 mounted on the end of each leg member 126; and an intermediate portion of each leg member 126 secured by a linkage assembly 133 to the adjacent support post member 86.

Each linkage assembly 133 includes pivotally connected first and second link members 135 and 136 movable from the usage condition of FIG. 10 to the storage or non-usage condition of FIG. 11.

The use and operation of the collapsible return apparatus 18 is substantially identical to that of the previously described return apparatus 16 except having the pivotal frame assembly 78. The backstop means 66 is pivotal through the connector means 69 to various inclined positions for different usages.

All of the projectile return apparatuses and embodiments of this invention have been described as utilized by basketball or baseball players; however, it is obvious that the same can be used by tennis players, soccer players, etc. to practice fielding, throwing, reflexes, endurance, and the like.

As apparent from the foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the projectile return apparatus, a relatively simple and inexpensive means has been provided which is readily attachable to a given surface so as to provide an economical and effective means of developing and testing a players relative skill. The projectile return apparatus eliminates a great deal of time consuming tedious work involved in practicing various game plays which results in the ability of a single player to practice by himself thereby allowing each to proceed at his own pace required to improve. Additionally, the return apparatus of this invention provides a means for repeatedly practicing a given maneuver by a basketball player whereas it is a proven fact that repeated practice results in a tremendous increase in the players relative skill as the maneuver becomes substantially automatic.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. A portable projectile return apparatus comprising:

a. a backstop means having a return panel member connected to a panel support assembly;

b. a frame means pivotally connected to said backstop means by a connector means; and

c. said connector means connected to said backstop means offset from the center of said panel member so as to present a first, lower position and a second, higher usage position on rotation of said backstop means.

2. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said panel member is secured to said panel support assembly by resilient strap members, and is connected by means of said panel support assembly to said connector means; and

b. said connector means having a connector lug secured to said panel support assembly, a pair of spaced disc members secured to said frame means and mounted about said connector lug, and a connector assembly to selectively anchor said connector lug between said disc members to prevent movement of said backstop means.

3. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein:

a. said connector lug having spaced projections on opposite sides to engage dimples on adjacent sides of said disc members, and

b. said dimples and projections engagable in an adjusted position to anchor said backstop means.

4. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein:

a. said frame means having a pair of spaced leg assemblies,

b. each of said leg assemblies having a pair of leg members pivotally connected at one end by said connector means, and

c. said leg members foldable into parallel positions with each other and said backstop means for the storage condition.

5. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said frame means having a pair of spaced support post assemblies each connected at an upper end by said connector means to said backstop means and at a lower end to a support assembly, and

b. said post assemblies including first and second telescoping post members to raise and lower said backstop means.

6. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein:

a. said connector means including a connector disc secured to said panel support assembly, disc members operably connected to said post members, and a connector member to anchor said connector disc between said disc members to provide substantial frictional engagement to hold said backstop means in a given position.

7. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein:

a. said connector means including a support lug secured to said post member to support said connector member, and

b. said disc members having at least one friction disc member to engage said connector disc in the clamped condition to prevent relative movement.

8. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said frame means including a pair of spaced support post assemblies having lower ends interconnected by leg assemblies and a tray member whereby sandbags may be placed in said tray member for added stability.

9. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said panel support assembly having spaced connector lugs positioned near one horizontal edge whereby in said first position with said panel member in a vertical position said edge is in the uppermost position for use in baseball practice and in said second position with said panel member in a vertical position, said edge is in a lowermost position for use in basketball practice. 

1. A portable projectile return apparatus comprising: a. a backstop means having a return panel member connected to a panel support assembly; b. a frame means pivotally connected to said backstop means by a connector means; and c. said connector means connected to said backstop means offset from the center of said panel member so as to present a first, lower position and a second, higher usage position on rotation of said backstop means.
 2. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said panel member is secured to said panel support assembly by resilient strap members, and is connected by means of said panel support assembly to said connector means; and b. said connector means having a connector lug secured to said panel support assembly, a pair of spaced disc members secured to said frame means and mounted about said connector lug, and a connector assembly to selectively anchor said connector lug between said disc members to prevent movement of said backstop means.
 3. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein: a. said connector lug having spaced projections on opposite sides to engage dimples on adjacent sides of said disc members, and b. said dimples and projections engagable in an adjusted position to anchor said backstop means.
 4. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein: a. said frame means having a pair of spaced leg assemblies, b. each of said leg assemblies having a pair of leg members pivotally connected at one end by said connector means, and c. said leg members foldable into parallel positions with each other and said backstop means for the storage condition.
 5. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said frame means having a pair of spaced support post assemblies each connected at an upper end by said connector means to said backstop means and at a lower end to a support assembly, and b. said post assemblies including first and second telescoping post members to raise and lower said backstop means.
 6. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein: a. said connector means including a connector disc secured to said panel support assembly, disc members operably connected to said post members, and a connector member to anchor said connector disc between said disc members to provide substantial frictional engagement to Hold said backstop means in a given position.
 7. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein: a. said connector means including a support lug secured to said post member to support said connector member, and b. said disc members having at least one friction disc member to engage said connector disc in the clamped condition to prevent relative movement.
 8. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said frame means including a pair of spaced support post assemblies having lower ends interconnected by leg assemblies and a tray member whereby sandbags may be placed in said tray member for added stability.
 9. A portable projectile return apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said panel support assembly having spaced connector lugs positioned near one horizontal edge whereby in said first position with said panel member in a vertical position said edge is in the uppermost position for use in baseball practice and in said second position with said panel member in a vertical position, said edge is in a lowermost position for use in basketball practice. 